Nabaz Sali and His Ongoing Journey To Become a 3D Artist of Repute


by Joshua Diokno   

Since he was a kid, Nabaz Sali has always been in awe of Renaissance art. And while he gravitated to the movement, he simply did not confine himself to such preference. He also developed a liking for 3D art from certain animated media, bolstering his interest in the digital craft. Nabaz took his childhood fascination and turned it into a passion that we could all agree is seeing great progress through his ArtStation.

And while all these are in the cards, Nabaz stays humble as he admits that he has yet to solidify his place in the industry. He knows that being an artist requires more than just talent, but consistency and foresight.

Today, let’s get to know Mr. Nabaz Sali through this short interview and see how he charted his journey as a 3D artist.

Xeno Creatives (XC): We understand that with just about any craft, the passion takes precedence. In your case, how did it start becoming a passion? Would we be right in assuming that you consider it a “calling” as a lot of your contemporaries do?

Nabaz Sali (NS): I started drawing when I was a kid; I have always been fascinated by Renaissance masterpieces. I started using 3D software at a very young age out of curiosity but I remember very vividly when I saw the animation from “Ice Age” and the CG from “Devine” that it became apparent to me that it is a human craft. I realized that I can try making my own. That I can learn.

XC: Was there ever an art piece (digital or otherwise) or artist who bolstered your interest in 3D art and motivated you to enter the space? When did you get involved fully in the industry?

NS: Again, animations and movie VFX pushed me into 3D art. When “God of War 3” released a Behind-the-Scenes bonus in the game, I saw artists working as a team and that was the moment I got motivated to enter the space. I was a student back then–I wasn’t sure if I would continue making oil paintings or transition into producing Digital Art. Finally, in 2016, I got involved fully in the industry.

XC: Now that you’re an active part of the industry, would you say you have a solid place in it?

NS: The industry is massive now and it’s very challenging because we have a lot of talent working to peg a solid place in it. I am quite happy where I am now, but I know there is still a lot ahead of me. I think I have yet to establish a solid place.

XC: What does your day look like in production?

NS: I always visit ArtStation and go on social media to see new artworks to remind me of the reason I started 3D art in the first place. Then I put on some music and dive into the 3D world.

XC: What are the common challenges a 3D artist like you encounters daily in a project?

NS: For me, following the schedule is crucial–that can be challenging at times. Pushing my art skills such as anatomy and composition to mastery is always challenging and fun.

XC: We have seen your works on ArtStation and we think they are impressive. Do you have any favorite works? If so, why are these your favorites?

NS: F6. Frankenstein is my favorite. I’m a cinephile, I always loved Boris Karloff’s original Frankenstein.

XC: What would you consider your biggest or most exciting project to date?

NS: Again, Frankenstein was my most exciting project.

XC: If you were to market yourself, what would you highlight as your edge?

NS: Recently, I published my take on “Hitman: Retaliation”, which is the edge of my art and technical skills up to date.

XC: If you weren’t a 3D artist today, what would you be working as?

NS: I would probably be a painter or illustrator.

XC: What is your message to other artists in these challenging times?

NS: Always stay passionate and be patient. The industry is growing very fast; you will find your space when you are ready. Do your best and make sure you enjoy the process.

Want to see more of Nabaz Sali’s awesome works? Click here!



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